Steelers suspend Rashard Mendenhall for missing Chargers game

Mendenhall to miss 1 game; Baron Batch promoted from practice squad

UPDATED 3:54 PM EDT Mar 11, 2013

PITTSBURGH -

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Wednesday that running back Rashard Mendenhall has been suspended for missing Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers after learning he would be inactive.

"Last Sunday, he was not at the game. I deemed those actions a detriment to our efforts. I stated as such when I met with him and (told him) there were going to be repercussions of it," Tomlin told reporters after practice.

As a result, Mendenhall will not play this Sunday when the Steelers (7-6) travel to Dallas (7-6).

"We had a good visit, he accepted it. He looks forward to coming back and rejoining this team on Monday and being a positive contribution to our efforts the rest of the way," Tomlin said.

Mendenhall, 25, has been inactive the past two games and has seen his playing time cut this season in favor of Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.

"Obviously there's frustration with his situation, understandably, but we all have a job to do. I require that all guys remain professional regardless of personal circumstance. He didn't meet the standard in that regard and accepted the consequences of it. So, hopefully, this will be a lesson learned, not only for him, but for everyone and we'll be able to move on from it," Tomlin said.